This three-hour workshop offers an introduction to core Jungian concepts related to complexes, symbols, and the structure of the psyche as they are encountered in Jungian analysis and psychotherapy. Participants will explore how complexes develop and express themselves through emotional reactions, relational patterns, defenses, symptoms, dreams, and symbolic material. The workshop will also introduce foundational Jungian approaches to understanding and engaging symbolic material within the analytic process, including amplification, reflective inquiry, and elements of active imagination.
Learning objectives
As a result of attending this course, participants will be able to:
-
Define complexes, symbols, and archetypal dynamics within the framework of Jungian psychology.
-
Recognize how complexes manifest clinically through affective reactions, defenses, symptoms, and interpersonal patterns.
-
Describe basic Jungian methods for approaching symbolic material in psychotherapy.
-
Differentiate symbolic understanding from concretistic or purely literal interpretations in clinical work.
After the course participants will:
-
Understand foundational Jungian concepts related to complexes, symbols, and archetypal dynamics.
-
Recognize how complexes manifest in psychotherapy through affect, defenses, symptoms, relational patterns, and symbolic material.
-
Be familiar with basic Jungian approaches to engaging symbolic material within the therapeutic process.
-
Be better able to differentiate symbolic meaning from literal or concretistic interpretations in clinical work.